Page 70 of Professional Consult

“I don’t want to go to Jukes.”

“Then what do you want? I can take you shooting or—”

“I want to help around town.”

“Help around town?”

“It’s what you do. I saw you fix Tiffany’s step the other day. You chased down that dog. You read to kids. I want to do that.”

“That’s not going to help you.”

I look over at Luke. “Oh, trust me. It will help.”

After checking in at the station, we chop firewood for some of the elderly residents, then we help clean up a shattered window at the general store.

“Who is this pretty lady you have working with you?” the owner says.

I reach out my hand to the elderly woman. “My name is Lexi.”

Her hand shakes when she grabs mine. “Well, Lexi, my name is Frances. You seem to be a hard worker. Just like our chief.”

“I don’t know. I’ve caught him napping a time or two.”

Frances laughs. “Let me get you a cup of tea.”

My phone buzzes, and I look down to see it’s Milton. I hit ANSWER.

Lexi:Hello?

Milton:You need to come back. I have a jet in-route.

My mouth twitches into a frown.The last thing I want to do is leave Pond Spring. Especially because I have so little time left here.

Lexi:I don’t understand what’s wrong.

Milton:I’m pretty sure Alicia—fucking—Davies is stirring up trouble. Leading people to think she’s starring in Cruel Justice. I need you here for photo ops.

Lexi:I’m still learning—

Milton:I don’t think you understand. Shit just hit the fan. I woke to headlines—fucking headlines—of Alicia cast as lead, and if we don’t correct it right the fuck now, stories will start spinning. They’ll say we’ve lost control of production, we’re sloppy—

Lexi:I know how the game is played, Milton. Heck, maybe you should reach out to her. See if she’s interested in an appearance.

Milton:Are you fucking kidding me? Your rivalry is Hollywood legend.

I suck in a breath,hoping like hell I don’t sound too opportunistic.

Lexi:Think about it. Our rivalry could be a major selling point to get views. Alicia was known for being the more aggressive of the two of us. She’d actually be perfect in a role like mine.

Milton:Are you fucking saying you want us to give Alicia Davies a role alongside you?

Lexi:I’m saying that sometimes you make certain alignments you wouldn’t otherwise for the benefit of all involved. Having her in a few episodes is going to draw views.

Milton:Get your fucking ass on the plane. We’ll discuss this in person.

The phone goes dead,and I wonder if I just totally fucked myself.

I should have never made that suggestion. I should have had Clint plant the bug, but I got too overeager.